Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and Black Mass Top The Box Office

This was a big weekend for movie lovers to hit the theaters. It was the first weekend for Black Mass, Sicario, Everest and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials!

The box office numbers were no surprise to fans of the first Maze Runner film. The franchise claimed their spot for biggest earner this weekend. Rentrak estimates that the film earned $30.3 million from the 3,796 theatres it was showed at. Even with such an impressive number, the first film still earned more this same weekend one year ago. The first installment brought in $32.5 million, $43.3 million (internationally) and $78 million from early releases in select territories!

The Scorch Trials is rated PG 13 and was clearly intended for a younger audience than the other films released this weekend. Well over half the audience was aged 25 and under and slightly more than half of ticket buyers were females.

Many of the cast and crew members from the first movie returned for the second film. Wes Ball is continuing on as the director. Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scodelario are all returning stars and will be joined by new actors Barry Pepper and Lili Taylor, among others.

Chris Aronson, is the Fox domestic distribution president. He said:

“The takeaway is that the film came in essentially identical to the first one, which says to me that we have a loyal and consistent fan base.”

That loyalty and success in the box office promises the success of a third film in the franchise. It is set to be released February 17, 2017.

Second on Rentraks estimated box office numbers was Warner bros., new Johnny Depp film, Black Mass. Depp stars as Whitey Bulger, a well-known Irish American gangster. It is directed by Scott Cooper and has an incredible cast. Next to Depp are actors Joel Edgerton and Benedict Cumberbatch!

After an unimpressive collection of movies, it was time Depp stepped up and had some great numbers under his belt. The film brought in $23.4 million this weekend from the 3,186 locations showing the film.

Black Mass is a rated R film that caters to an older audience. Almost 90% of the audience is aged 25 or older and almost 40% are aged 50 and over!

Jeff Goldstein is the Warners executive of vp distribution. He raves about Depps performance and his role in the success of the film. He said:

“It’s all about Johnny Depp. He gives such an extraordinary performance in this film, and that is what everybody is talking about. He’s a guy that swings for the fences, and sometimes falls short. But when he connects with the bat, he hits it out of the park.”

So if you haven’t already, hit the theaters and check out what’s playing!

If you are feeling brave, check out The Visit which came in third this weekend despite already being in theaters for a week. Plus, who doesn’t love a good horror film?

About Krystal Tucker

Krystal is a 25 year old writer. She's been a passionate hobbyist for the last few years dabbling in painting, poetry, sculpting, wood work, makeup, jewelry and recently, gardening. When she isn't busy creating, she enjoys her time watching movies and hiking with her husband and two dogs. Poke around, get hooked and come back to read more!!
Contact Krystal: krystal.tucker@youthindependent.com